Crypto Intelligence

BitVault Raises $2M from GSR, Gemini, and Auros to Launch BTC-Backed Money

Berlin, Germany, June 18th, 2025, Chainwire

BitVault, a DeFi protocol aiming to redefine Bitcoin’s role in stablecoin infrastructure, has announced the close of a $2 million pre-seed round. Strategic investors include GSR, Gemini, Auros, and Keyrock, among others—joining BitVault in building what it calls the “next era of BTC-backed money”: an institutionally-aligned alternative to fiat-pegged stablecoins.

The raise supports the launch of bvUSD, BitVault’s overcollateralized stablecoin backed by Bitcoin derivatives, and sbvUSD, its yield-bearing variant powered by institutional trading strategies by GSR.

BitVault will serve as a core stablecoin protocol on Katana, a new DeFi-first chain incubated by Polygon Labs and GSR prioritizing deep liquidity and user rewards, leveraging a licensed fork of Liquity V2 to enable permissioned borrowing, user-set interest rates, and automated liquidation infrastructure.

“Bitcoin was built for moments of fracture. BitVault was built to make it usable,” said Michael Kisselgof, Core Contributor of BitVault and VaultCraft. “We specifically onboarded GSR, Auros, and Keyrock as strategic investors that can also execute high yielding, non-directional strategies to create demand and deep liquidity for BTC-backed money.”

Stablecoins at an Inflection Point

BitVault arrives amid rising demand for crypto-native stability in a fragmented global monetary environment. Unlike fiat-backed stablecoins like USDC or algorithmic options like Ethena’s USDe, bvUSD is collateralized by BTC derivatives.

Only whitelisted institutional borrowers can mint bvUSD in bulk, while anyone can mint bvUSD using stablecoins—mitigating risks associated with overleveraged or anonymous borrowing. DeFi users can earn yield by staking bvUSD into sbvUSD, which leverages delta-neutral and arbitrage strategies managed by GSR, a globally recognized crypto investment firm specializing in market making, OTC trading, and options..

“We’re seeing growing interest in BTC-backed stablecoins, especially those designed to integrate seamlessly into DeFi ecosystems,” said Alain Kunz, Director from GSR, who participated in the round. “BitVault’s approach with experience in institutional-grade yield strategies positions it well for success. We’re particularly excited about its deployment on Katana, a DeFi centric chain we helped incubate. BitVault adds to Katana’s evolving ecosystem by introducing a new layer of stablecoin utility, enabling BTC to take on a more productive role within Katana’s high-yield DeFi stack.”

From Liquity to Katana

BitVault is a friendly fork of Liquity V2, re-engineered for institutional use under a licensed deployment agreement with Liquity AG. The protocol blends automated, governance-free mechanisms with a permissioned borrowing layer, offering stability while retaining core DeFi primitives like direct redemption and composable yield strategies.

Its upcoming VCRAFT token will govern future protocol parameters and serve as a rewards mechanism for stability providers and liquidity contributors.

The launch on Katana, incubated by Polygon Labs and GSR, positions BitVault at the heart of an emerging liquidity and settlement network across the EVM chain. Initial integrations include Vault infrastructure, Morpho money markets, Sushi AMMs, and a multichain “Bits” points campaign tied to VCRAFT distribution.

What’s Next

BitVault is scheduled for mainnet deployment on Katana in June 2025, with broader integrations across DeFi ecosystems and centralized liquidity venues in the works. The team plans to expand its stablecoin suite to support additional BTC-based collateral assets and is actively onboarding institutional borrowers.

About BitVault

BitVault is a DeFi protocol that offers a crypto-native solution for money through its BTC-backed stablecoin, bvUSD, and a yield-bearing staked stablecoin, sbvUSD. The protocol is designed to provide an institutional-grade, capital-efficient stablecoin with user-set interest rates, multi-collateral backing, and enhanced liquidity mechanisms.

For media inquiries or partnership information:

press@bitvault.finance

bitvault.finance

docs.bitvault.finance

@BitVaultFinance

Contact

BitVault Team
BitVault.Finance
info@bitvault.finance

TAC Raises $11.5M to Bring DeFi to Telegram’s Billion-User Ecosystem

New York, USA, June 18th, 2025, Chainwire

TAC, a purpose-built blockchain for EVM dApps to access TON and Telegram ecosystem, has raised a total of $11.5 million across its seed and strategic rounds. The newly closed $5 million strategic round, led by Hack VC, reinforces institutional belief in TAC’s mission to enhance blockchain functionality inside Telegram, the most user-rich environment in crypto.

“At Hack VC, we invest in teams building the future of the internet,” said Ed Roman, Managing Partner at Hack VC. “TAC is an exceptional team with a deep understanding of infrastructure and growth backed by years of experience building in the space. Leading this strategic round reflects our conviction in TAC’s ability to shape how Ethereum dApps reach global users through Telegram and TON.”

TAC is nearing its mainnet launch, now underway in a phased rollout. In the current DevMainnet phase, blue-chip DeFi protocols like Curve, Morpho, and Euler are already deploying, with over 20 leading applications preparing for Mainnet integration. This early traction ensures that once TAC goes live publicly, the ecosystem will launch with deep liquidity, proven DeFi primitives, and immediate user utility inside Telegram.

“TAC is committed to giving EVM developers the tools and reach to deploy their applications into Telegram’s billion-user ecosystem,” said Pavel Altukhov, Co-Founder and CEO of TAC. “This strategic round accelerates our mission to bring Ethereum applications to everyday users and lays the groundwork for the next wave of TON-native consumer apps.”

TAC’s pre-mainnet liquidity bootstrapping campaign, The Summoning, has drawn significant interest from leading funds, liquidity providers, and infrastructure players across the industry. With over $700M in total value locked (TVL) secured ahead of public Mainnet launch, this institutional-grade backing reflects deep confidence in TAC’s role as a DeFi layer for TON. Crucially, this liquidity will power core DeFi applications from day one, enabling real yield and market functionality at launch

“Going live on Telegram and TON via TAC can allow Curve to reach the new audience who aren’t yet on DeFi,” said Michael Egorov, Founder of Curve. “TAC chose a great approach of bringing battle-tested EVM applications there. We are happy to be one of the first to deploy and bring Curve to these new users”

Curve, Morpho, and Euler have already built dedicated Telegram Mini Apps (TMAs), making their products natively accessible in Telegram. In parallel, popular consumer TMAs are beginning to integrate DeFi functionality on the backend, distributing yield and financial tools to non-crypto users. TAC sees this convergence within the superapp Telegram as the path to mass adoption.

About TAC

TAC is a purpose-built blockchain for EVM dApps to access TON and Telegram Ecosystem’s 1B+ user base. TAC makes it seamless for Ethereum dApps to be deployed on TON. EVM functionality and liquidity brought to the TON ecosystem enable builders to focus on consumer use cases.

Website | X | Discord | Telegram | Linkedin

Contact

PR
CC Chen
TAC
marketing@tac.build

Monarq Asset Management Announces Strategic Investment From FalconX

NEW YORK, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Monarq Asset Management (“Monarq”), a leading multi-strategy investment firm, formerly known as MNNC Group, today announced a strategic investment from FalconX, a leading institutional digital asset prime broker. The investment will accelerate Monarq’s growth as it scales its team, product offerings, and institutional client base.

With a track record dating back to 2017 and experience navigating multiple market cycles, Monarq is led by alumni from prestigious firms like LedgerPrime, Tower Research, and BlockTower. The firm deploys quantitative, delta-neutral, and directional strategies across both centralized and decentralized venues, focused on delivering consistent, risk-adjusted returns in all market conditions.

“We are pleased to welcome FalconX as a strategic investor,” said Shiliang Tang, CEO and Managing Partner of Monarq. “With FalconX’s strategic support, we are well positioned to scale our proprietary quantitative models, grow our team of portfolio managers and technologists, and bring institutional-grade asset management to a broader set of investors.”

The investment strengthens FalconX’s ability to serve clients seeking actively managed digital asset strategies and further diversifies its business lines.

“We saw a rare combination of quantitative finance and derivatives expertise in Monarq, grounded in the infrastructure and risk discipline expected of top-tier institutional managers,” said Raghu Yarlagadda, Co-Founder and CEO of FalconX. “As institutional capital allocates more meaningfully into digital assets, the search for differentiated, risk-adjusted returns is intensifying — and we believe institutions will increasingly turn to actively managed platforms as the asset class continues to mature.”

The investment comes amid a period of significant growth in the alternative investment space, with increasing allocation from institutional investors, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals seeking diversified returns in a complex market environment.

About Monarq Asset Management
Monarq Asset Management, formerly MNNC Group, is a multi-strategy digital asset investment manager focused on generating consistent, risk-adjusted returns through all market conditions. Managed by former executives from firms such as LedgerPrime, Tower Research, and BlockTower Capital, the team offers extensive experience in quantitative trading, volatility strategies, and digital market structure.

Leveraging a foundation of delta-neutral and directional strategies, Monarq utilizes a disciplined, data-centric investment approach spanning centralized and decentralized markets. By integrating institutional-grade financial rigor with native blockchain infrastructure, the firm is positioned to meet the evolving demands of today’s sophisticated institutional investors.

About FalconX
FalconX is a leading digital asset prime brokerage for the world’s top institutions. We provide comprehensive access to global digital asset liquidity and a full range of trading services. Our 24/7 dedicated team for account, operational and trading needs enables investors to navigate markets around the clock. FalconX Bravo, Inc., a FalconX affiliate, was the first CFTC-registered swap dealer focused on cryptocurrency derivatives.

FalconX is backed by investors including Accel, Adams Street Partners, Altimeter Capital, American Express Ventures, B Capital, GIC, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Sapphire Ventures, Thoma Bravo, Tiger Global Management and Wellington Management. FalconX has offices in Silicon Valley, New York, London, Hong Kong, Bengaluru, Singapore and Valletta. For more information visit falconx.io or follow FalconX on X and LinkedIn

“FalconX” is a marketing name for FalconX Limited and its affiliates. Availability of products and services is subject to jurisdictional limitations and FalconX entity capabilities. For more information about which legal entities offer particular products and services, please see the disclosure on our public website, incorporated herein, or reach out to your relationship contact.

PrimeXBT expands global reach with FSCA-regulated crypto asset services

Castries, Saint Lucia, June 2nd, 2025, Chainwire

PrimeXBT, a global multi-asset broker, has expanded its regulated offerings with approval from the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa to provide crypto services. This development strengthens PrimeXBT’s presence in one of Africa’s leading financial markets and supports the company’s broader mission to advance regulated crypto access worldwide.

With this updated licence in place, PrimeXBT is now offering traders a secure and trusted environment to deposit, withdraw, trade, and convert digital assets. South African clients gain access to crypto-funded accounts on MT5, PXTrader, and Crypto Futures, with support for BTC, ETH, USDT, and USDC margin trading, including CFD trading on stocks, indices, forex, crypto and commodities. Traders can also benefit from on-platform tools to instantly exchange crypto to crypto or stablecoins with USD.

“This expansion not only benefits South African traders but also represents our broader commitment to global crypto adoption under trusted regulatory framework,” said Sihle Tuta, Head of Region at PrimeXBT South Africa. “At PrimeXBT, we aim to lead by example, delivering an all-in-one trading experience that prioritises trust, access, and innovation. As one of the few regulated brokers offering both crypto and traditional financial instruments, we bring these markets together through a unified platform built for diverse trading strategies.”

In addition to expanding its trading services, PrimeXBT continues to invest in trader education and financial literacy across the world. The broker offers online learning resources, webinars, and market insights tailored to various levels of trading experience. As part of its global CSR initiatives, PrimeXBT also supports community-focused projects with a strong emphasis on education and skills development.

This addition to PrimeXBT’s regulated operations further strengthens its reputation as a compliant and forward-thinking broker. As demand for regulated crypto access grows, PrimeXBT is well-positioned to serve traders with a platform that blends security, flexibility, and innovative market access.

To learn more, users can visit the PrimeXBT website.

About

PrimeXBT is a global multi-asset broker trusted by over 1,000,000 traders in 150+ countries, offering a next-generation trading experience that bridges traditional and digital finance. Clients can trade CFDs on Stocks, Indices, Commodities and Crypto, as well as Crypto Futures and Forex. PrimeXBT also enables clients to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, store them in secure built-in wallets, and instantly exchange crypto to crypto or fiat to crypto, all within one integrated environment. Since 2018, PrimeXBT has made investing more accessible by lowering barriers to entry and providing secure, easy access to financial markets. This accessibility extends across its native web and mobile platforms, MetaTrader 5, and a variety of funding options in crypto, fiat, and local payment methods. Committed to putting clients first, PrimeXBT empowers traders of all levels with innovative tools and industry-leading conditions, delivering a better way to trade.

Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as personal investment advice and does not constitute a solicitation or invitation to engage in any financial transactions, investments, or related activities. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The financial products offered by the Company are complex and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. These products may not be suitable for all investors. Before engaging, you should consider whether you understand how these leveraged products work and whether you can afford the high risk of losing your money. The Company does not accept clients from the Restricted Jurisdictions as indicated on its website. Some products and services, including MT5, may not be available in your jurisdiction. The applicable legal entity and its respective products and services depend on the client’s country of residence and the entity with which the client has established a contractual relationship during registration.

Contact

PrimeXBT
pr@primexbt.com

Zircuit Enables Non-Custodial Wallet Top-Ups for Crypto.com Visa Cards

George Town, Grand Cayman, May 30th, 2025, Chainwire

Zircuit, the chain where innovation meets security, announced the launch of non-custodial wallet top-ups for Crypto.com Visa Cards. This new integration enables users to seamlessly fund their cards via Zircuit.

Now live in the Crypto.com App, this feature allows users to connect a non-custodial wallet to their Crypto Wallet and transfer ZRC via Zircuit Chain. Users can convert the assets into supported tokens like USDC or ETH as needed to complete the top-up process. This makes it easier than ever to spend crypto wherever Visa is accepted.

“At Zircuit, we’re committed to expanding the possibilities of crypto in the real world,” said Dr. Martin Derka, co-founder of Zircuit. “This integration with Crypto.com brings us one step closer to that future, offering users the freedom of self-custody and the convenience of everyday spending.”

How it works:

  • Users connect their non-custodial wallet to the Crypto Wallet in the Crypto.com App via Zircuit Chain.
  • Funds are sent directly from the connected wallet, converted to fiat, and used to top up the Crypto.com Visa Card
  • If needed, assets are auto-converted to supported tokens like USDC or ETH.

Users can visit crypto.com/en/product-news/top-up-with-zircuit for step-by-step instructions or access the FAQ for more information.

About Zircuit

Zircuit: Where innovation meets security, designed for everyone. Zircuit offers developers powerful features while giving users peace of mind. Designed by a team of web3 security veterans and PhDs, Zircuit combines high performance with unmatched security. Experience the safest chain for DeFi and staking. To learn more about Zircuit, users can visit zircuit.com, and follow them on Twitter/X @ZircuitL2

Contact

Head of Communications
Jennifer Zheng
Zircuit
jen@zircuit.com

Bitget Launches Spot Margin Trading for Nexpace (NXPC) Pair to Transform Decentralised Gaming

Victoria, Seychelles, May 16th, 2025, Chainwire

Bitget, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, is thrilled to announce the launch of Spot Margin Trading for the Nexpace (NXPC)-USDT pair. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in empowering users with advanced trading tools and bolstering innovation in the decentralised gaming ecosystem.

Nexpace (NXPC), a prominent player in the Web3 gaming industry, is transforming the digital entertainment landscape with its decentralised, player-centric platform. The integration of NXPC into Bitget’s Spot Margin offering enables traders to borrow funds to amplify potential gains, thus enhancing market liquidity and trading flexibility for the NXPC ecosystem.

Commenting on the development, Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget, said “Bitget is excited to support the growth of decentralised gaming by enabling spot margin trading for the NXPC token. We believe Nexpace’s vision aligns with the future of interactive digital economies, and we are committed to offering our users diversified trading options and early access to game-changing projects.”

To celebrate the listing of new coins, Bitget will randomly distribute spot margin interest vouchers or position vouchers to users. Spot margin interest vouchers can be used to offset part or all of the borrowing interest in margin trades. Position vouchers allow users to open margin trade positions without using their own funds. Users can claim vouchers in the Coupons Center.

With this launch, Bitget continues its commitment to supporting high-potential Web3 projects by providing greater exposure and access to sophisticated financial instruments. Spot Margin Trading allows users to trade NXPC with leverage, enabling them to take both long and short positions, and to participate more actively in market movements.

For more information on NXPC on Bitget, users can visit here

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

About Nexpace (NXPC)

Nexpace is a decentralised gaming platform that leverages blockchain to give players true ownership, governance rights, and seamless in-game economies. NXPC is the utility and governance token driving the platform’s vibrant ecosystem and community-driven growth.

For media queries: media@bitget.com

Contact

Public Relations
Media
Bitget
media@bitget.com

NEXPACE Launches MapleStory N and NXPC Token, Charting a New Chapter for MapleStory Universe

Abu Dhabi, UAE, May 15th, 2025, Chainwire

MapleStory Universe brings player-owned economies to life as a blockchain-powered expansion of the 23-year old MMORPG IP, powered by its proprietary NXPC token

Now live on Bitget, Bithumb, Binance, Bybit, Gatei.o, KuCoin, Upbit – NXPC ranks among the most successful Web3 gaming token debuts

NEXPACE, the Web3 IP-expansion initiative backed by Nexon, today announced the official launch of MapleStory N, a blockchain-powered MMORPG. Together with the game, NEXPACE also debuted the NXPC token, integral to the MapleStory Universe (MSU) ecosystem, on seven leading exchanges, including Bitget, Bithumb, Binance, Bybit, Gateio, KuCoin, Upbit. This joint milestone marks a major step forward for NEXPACE’s MSU, bringing the iconic 23-year-old gaming IP to the blockchain for the first time.

MapleStory N blends the nostalgic 2D visuals and classic gameplay of the original MapleStory IP with new blockchain-native features such as NFTs, on-chain item mechanics, and open marketplaces. Players can complete quests, battle monsters, all while earning, crafting and trading assets that hold real world value. The broader MSU platform also introduces Synergy Apps, allowing fans, creators, and builders to develop their own content and decentralized applications. This reflects the legacy of the original MapleStory IP franchise, where user-generated games and creations flourished.

The NXPC token further marks a major evolution of MapleStory’s decades-old in-game economy by enabling true asset ownership and player-driven item markets. With MSU’s Fusion-Fission model, players can redeem NXPC for collections of NFTs (Fission) and exchange collections of NFTs back into NXPC (Fusion), creating a self-balancing system that curbs oversupply and supports long-term value. Beyond gameplay, NXPC powers a broader contributor reward system, incentivizing builders and creators to develop user-generated contributions that expand and enrich the MSU IP ecosystem.

Sunyoung Hwang, CEO of NEXPACE, explained, “The launch of MapleStory N and the NXPC marks a major evolution in how games are played and valued. MSU addresses long-standing issues in traditional gaming like item inflation and developer-controlled ecosystems, by giving real ownership to players. NXPC enables users to participate in a decentralized, self-sustaining ecosystem that rewards creativity, contribution, and engagement over speculation. Together, they form the engine of a community-led digital economy, reshaping how games are enjoyed and remembered.”

As the first implementation of NEXPACE’s virtual IP universe, MapleStory N and MSU sets the foundation for future blockchain-powered gaming experiences. Backed by Nexon’s portfolio of globally recognized gaming IPs, NEXPACE’s protocol is designed to support the expansion of these titles through decentralized economy and community-led creativity, evolving the gaming worlds beyond the traditional models.

The excitement surrounding MSU’s first blockchain game was clearly reflected in the recent OpenSea Primary Drop Campaign, held from May 6 to 12, which saw over 1 million mints. Built on a custom Layer 1 chain using Avalanche, powered by AvaCloud, the campaign also drove Avalanche Network to record its highest number of Unique Active Wallets since the campaign’s launch day. MapleStory N is now live and available on PC.

MSU is now reshaping the Web3 gaming landscape, launching its NXPC token across seven major exchanges and showcasing one of the most impactful blockchain gaming debuts in recent years.

About NEXPACE

NEXPACE, an innovative blockchain company based in Abu Dhabi, pioneers an IP-expansion initiative powered by blockchain technology and NFTs to build a community-driven ecosystem. With a mission to redefine interactive entertainment, NEXPACE creates a vibrant space for exploring, sharing, and engaging with diverse content and gameplay crafted by community members.

At the heart of NEXPACE’s ecosystem are principles of transparency, security, and trust, empowering creators to freely share their ideas and enabling users to enjoy immersive experiences. By fostering a culture of creative expression, NEXPACE envisions a secure, collaborative environment that unites ecosystem participants in a thriving digital community. 

For more information, users can visit: Website | Medium | X/Twitter | Discord 

Contact

MapleStory Universe PR Manager
Bee Shin
Wachsman
bee.shin@wachsman.com

GSR Invests in Maverix Securities to Support the Launch of Regulated Digital Asset Structured Products

Zurich, Switzerland, May 15th, 2025, Chainwire

GSR, a leading crypto investment firm, has made an equity investment in Maverix Securities, a Swiss-based innovator in structured investment solutions. The investment cements a broader partnership between the two firms to collaborate on a new generation of digital asset products for institutional and professional investors.

This partnership represents a major step in bridging traditional finance and the digital asset ecosystem. GSR will support Maverix in launching structured products linked to digital assets, as well as the development and listing of exchange-traded products (ETPs) tied to leading cryptocurrencies.

GSR and Maverix combine complementary strengths that go far beyond operational collaboration. GSR’s expertise in digital asset liquidity and risk management, combined with Maverix’s issuance capabilities and proven track record in launching regulated investment products on the SIX Swiss Exchange, will help to deliver differentiated, compliant, and value-driven digital investment solutions. All offerings will be subject to any applicable jurisdictional regulatory approvals and investor suitability standards.

“We’re excited to join forces with Maverix to deliver digital asset solutions that combine the precision of traditional financial engineering with the transformative potential of blockchain-based assets,” said Alain Kunz, Managing Director at GSR. “This partnership reflects a strong alignment between Maverix’s excellence in structured product design and our strengths in digital asset liquidity and risk management.”

“We see significant investor appetite for thoughtful, risk-managed exposure to digital assets,” said David Schmid, Co-CEO of Maverix. “Partnering with GSR gives us access to world-class digital asset infrastructure and a network that will be instrumental in accelerating our product roadmap. GSR also fits perfectly into our partner strategy — we deliberately seek selective, high-quality collaborations that expand our ecosystem and support long-term innovation.”

The collaboration will deliver a range of institutional-grade products, including yield-enhancing structured solutions, customized crypto index strategies, institutional advisory and treasury services, and advanced derivatives and hedging tools. Subject to any applicable regulatory approvals, these offerings are designed to meet the evolving needs of professional investors seeking compliant, risk-managed exposure to digital assets. For more information, users can visit www.mavx.com.

As part of the collaboration, Alain Kunz, Managing Director at GSR, will join the Board of Directors of Maverix, further strengthening strategic alignment and accelerating product development and go-to-market execution. The first wave of jointly developed products is expected to launch in the second half of 2025, targeting both professional and institutional investors across key global markets.

About GSR

Founded in 2013, GSR is a global leader in digital asset trading, market making, and liquidity provision. With over a decade of experience in cryptocurrency markets, GSR operates one of the largest and most sophisticated trading operations in the industry. The firm partners with leading token projects, trading venues, and institutions, offering a full suite of services including algorithmic trading, liquidity solutions, and strategic investment. GSR is headquartered in London with offices across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

About Maverix

Maverix Securities is one of the leading Swiss Securities Houses in the structured products market. Since 2008, Maverix has been offering its services to professional asset managers, banks, and institutional investors using one of the most innovative technologies. This unique investment approach combines next-gen technology, deep human experience,e and relentless creativity. 

Contact

VP Public Relations
Haley Malanga
GSR
haley.malanga@gsr.io

FLOKI and Rice Robotics Launch AI Companion Robot With Token Rewards

Miami, Florida, April 30th, 2025, Chainwire

FLOKI has partnered with Rice Robotics to launch the FLOKI Minibot M1, an AI-powered companion robot that combines robotics, blockchain, and tokenized rewards.

Unveiled ahead of TOKEN2049 Dubai, the FLOKI Minibot M1 is powered by RICE AI, Rice Robotics’ decentralized AI protocol. This small but capable robot can handle day-to-day tasks like managing grocery lists, scheduling household chores, and even providing bedtime stories or dancing to your favorite music — all while adapting to your personality and preferences over time.

But the innovation doesn’t stop at the hardware. As part of the rollout, Rice Robotics will also launch the $RICE token, the main utility token of the RICE AI protocol. The token integrates real-world usage with on-chain incentives. Users of the FLOKI Minibot M1 will earn $RICE tokens through interaction — turning ordinary conversations and commands into valuable AI training data, and rewarding users for participation in the ecosystem.

According to Rice, the $RICE token will be launched through the TokenFi Launchpad, allowing $TOKEN stakers to participate in the early sale. Additionally, airdrops are coming for both $FLOKI and $TOKEN holders, adding to the growing utility behind the FLOKI ecosystem. The $RICE token will serve various functions within the RICE AI ecosystem, including access to premium features, AI upgrades, and data exchange within decentralized physical AI networks.

Rice Robotics, known for its work with top-tier clients like Nvidia, SoftBank, Mitsui Fudosan, and 7-Eleven Japan, is no stranger to real-world deployment. Their robots are already in use in offices, shopping centers, and urban infrastructure across Japan, Dubai, and Hong Kong.

Softbank, notably, is also a key player behind President Trump’s $500 billion Stargate Initiative, aimed at building AI infrastructure across the U.S. Rice’s involvement further signals the blend between policy, AI, and tokenized economies.

This collaboration marks the next big chapter in decentralized physical AI (DePAI), a concept where robots can learn, share data, and self-upgrade using blockchain-backed protocols.

FLOKI Goes Big at TOKEN2049

FLOKI is making its mark as an official Gold Sponsor of TOKEN2049 Dubai, one of the world’s premier crypto events scheduled for April 30–May 1, 2025. With over 15,000 attendees and 10,000 companies expected, TOKEN2049 brings together industry leaders, innovators, and investors to explore the future of Web3, AI, and digital finance. FLOKI’s strong presence at the event reflects its expanding ecosystem and bold push into utility-driven innovation.

As part of its sponsorship, FLOKI branding will feature across venue signage, tables, and marketing campaigns. The project’s Community Relations Officer will also deliver a keynote on the IO NET Stage titled “How utility will shape the memecoin revolution.” The event will culminate in “AFTER 2049,” the official closing party, also sponsored by FLOKI. 

About Floki

Floki is the people’s cryptocurrency and utility token of the Floki Ecosystem. Focused on utility, community, philanthropy, and strategic marketing, Floki is working toward becoming the world’s most recognized and used cryptocurrency. With over 520,000 holders globally, Floki has already established a strong brand presence. Users can learn more at floki.com.

For more information:

Website: https://www.floki.com/ 

 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlokiOfficial 

 Telegram: https://t.co/vBZd3lbFQK 

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/floki_crypto/ 

 Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@floki_crypto 

 Discord: https://discord.com/invite/floki 

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/290420602797109/?ref=share  

 Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Floki/ 

 Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/officialfloki 

 Valhalla: https://valhalla.game

Contact

Community Relations Officer
Pedro Vidal
Floki
Marketing@floki.com

Analog Secures $15M Strategic Commitment to Drive Web3 Liquidity Vision

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Analog, a leader in blockchain interoperability, has secured a $15 million strategic funding commitment from Bolts Capital, further boosting its capital raise to a total of $36 million. This new commitment comes in the form of a significant token purchase, deepening Bolts Capital’s role in Analog’s mission to unify liquidity across the decentralized Web3 landscape.

Fueling Infrastructure for Unified Liquidity

“This $15 million in a strategic funding commitment from Bolts Capital is a major step forward for Analog as we continue building the infrastructure layer for unified liquidity in Web3,” said Victor Young, Founder of Analog.

Analog aims to become the ultimate liquidity hub by enabling frictionless asset movement across chains. The newly secured capital will support the development of innovative tools like the Omnichain Analog Token Standard (OATS), Firestarter, and Zenswap. “With this capital, we’re accelerating the development of groundbreaking solutions like OATS, Firestarter, and Zenswap, which will drive scalable RWA adoption, optimize liquidity, and unlock deeper markets for DeFi applications,” Young added.

A Track Record of Momentum

Before this latest funding, Analog had already raised $21 million from leading investors such as Tribe Capital, Wintermute, NGC Ventures, and the NEAR Foundation. The February 2025 launch of its mainnet and $ANLOG token marked major milestones, with listings now live on platforms including Bitget, Gate.io, KuCoin, MEXC, and Kraken. Stakers are currently enjoying an APY of 82.7%, showcasing high yield opportunities within the ecosystem.

Ecosystem Growth and Cross-Chain Adoption

Analog’s ecosystem now features over 60 partners across DeFi, RWA, gaming, and AI. Key collaborators include OKX Wallet, Frax, MetaStreet, and Rarible. On the testnet side, more than 384,000 users have participated, and over 121,000 have already claimed airdrop rewards.

The platform’s expansion is also reflected in community apps like Pixelport, which has brought in nearly 58,000 users. To date, 14,980 NFTs have been bridged across different blockchains, highlighting early interest in omnichain asset utility.

What’s Next

Analog’s product roadmap features several new launches, led by OATS for seamless cross-chain asset transfers. Firestarter, backed by Black Label Ventures, will introduce real-world asset tokenization, while Zenswap—developed with Soramitsu—will enable cross-chain swaps via a single transaction.

“We see Analog as one of the few teams truly solving for interoperability at scale. As more use cases emerge across chains, especially in RWAs, there’s a real need for foundational infrastructure like what Analog is building,” said Managing Director of Bolts Capital. “And we’re excited to support their vision and growth with this $15 million strategic commitment.”

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